The Great Council of Chiefs or the Boselevu Vakaturaga has been formally de-established by President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has made this announcement a few minutes ago after the de-establishment of the GCC was gazetted a few days ago.
Commodore Bainimarama said the GCC is a product of our colonial past and Fiji must now focus on a future in which all Fijians are represented on the same basis.
He said if all Fijians are to have their say during the consultations for Fiji’s new constitution, people must ensure that every voice is equally heard and equally represented.
The Prime Minister said in 1875, the British created an elite body of iTaukei chiefs known as the Native Council to directly and indirectly implement its rule over Fiji.
He said the members of this body which later came to be called the GCC, held certain privileges.
Commodore Bainimarama said over the last 20 years, the GCC including its secretariat became highly politicized with its members having political affiliations and membership in political parties.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
